GB2516101A

GB2516101A - Luggage strap

Info

Publication number: GB2516101A
Application number: GB1312496.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barnaby Bevan Edwards; Benjamin Atkinson
Original assignee: DG International Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: DG International Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-12
Filing date: 2013-07-12
Publication date: 2015-01-14
Also published as: GB201312496D0

Abstract

A luggage strap 10, and in particular an adjustable luggage strap with a lockable clasp for securing luggage. The luggage strap comprises a strap 12 having an adjustable loop for adjusting the length thereof and a latch 18 having two separable parts, the first part 20 being attached to one end of the strap (12 figure 1) and the other part 22 being attached to the loop, wherein a gripping member (34 figure 5) comprising at least one tooth (36 figure 5) is provided on the first part of the latch 16 for engaging with a part of the loop that is in the second part of the latch upon joining the first part of the latch to the second part of the latch. The at least one tooth may be sharp for penetrating the fabric of the strap. There may be at least two teeth.

Description

Luggage strap The present invention relates to a luggage strap, and in particular an adjustable luggage strap with a lockable clasp for securing luggage, such as a suitcase, in its closed condition by it being wrapped around the luggage.

Luggage straps are well known in the art, including luggage straps that are adjustable and which can be locked in a closed condition. However, many such prior art luggage straps remain adjustable after fitting them onto the luggage, whereby they can be released from the luggage without unlocking the clasp.

Luggage straps are also known where the strap is held by a strap constricting mechanism, whereby the strap is resisted from being loosening once the strap has been locked around the luggage. See, for example, products by Tripneeds and Pacsafe, the former utilising a movable metal plate that grips the strap when the strap is placed in tension, and the latter simply relying upon the tension of the strap to bear the strap against a gripping surface. These systems, however, can be loosened with patience upon de-tensioning the strap. An improved strap-locking mechanism would thus be desireable.

According to the present invention there is provided a luggage strap comprising a strap having an adjustable loop for adjusting the length thereof and a latch having two separable parts, the first pad being attached to one end of the strap and the other part being attached to the loop, wherein a gripping member comprising at least one tooth is provided on the first part of the latch for engaging with a part of the loop that is in the second part of the latch upon joining the first part of the latch to the second part of the latch.

Preferably the tooth is a sharp tooth for penetrating into the fabric of the strap upon that joining of the first part of the latch to the second part of the latch.

Preferably there are at least two such teeth, and more preferably there are in excess of four such teeth. A single such tooth, however, could suffice.

Preferably the or each tooth is a pointed tooth for penetrating between fibres of the strap. There can be more than one kind of tooth, e.g. some to grip and others to penetrate. Preferably there are a plurality of pointed teeth to provide a very secure grip on the strap, each tooth, in use at least partially penetrating into the fabric of the strap.

Preferably the strap is a webbing strap having a wider width than depth dimension.

Preferably the teeth are adapted to penetrate into the webbing strap along the widthwise dimension of the webbing.

Preferably the loop is adjustable by means of a loop buckle comprising a loop with a bar through the middle. One end of the strap may be attached to the bar, and the other end may thread either side of that bar, both through the loop buckle in opposite ways either side of the bar. The other end of the strap can then be attached on one of the parts of the latch.

Preferably the latch is a fast-or quick-release latch. Preferably it has at least one prong on the second part for engaging inside the first part. More preferably there are two such prongs. Preferably the two prongs are squeezed together to release the first part from the second part. The prong or prongs can have a shoulder thereon for engaging a shoulder within the first part when the latch is latched.

The latch may have a secondary locking mechanism for locking the latch in a latched state. This secondary locking mechanism may be in the form of a combination lock. In another embodiment it may be a key lock. This secondary locking mechanism can be provided to allow the latch to be locked in a latched condition whereby the first and second parts cannot be separated, and then for it to be released into an unlocked condition whereby the latch can released thus allowing the first and second parts to be separated.

Preferably the latch comprises a lock release mechanism in the forrii of a TSA lock.

ISA locks are provided to provide a key-based lock override that allows border security officers to open the latch even when locked -they have a paired key for the lock. TSA locks are becoming increasingly common on luggage, and on locks for luggage, including padlocks, in view of USA border inspection requirements.

In a preferred embodiment of latch having a TSA lock, the secondary locking mechanism is a TSA lock. However, the secondary locking mechanism may be a combination lock with a TSA lock associated therewith (for overriding that lock).

Preferably the gripping member is made of metal so as to provide structural strength thereto. This prevents a third party from forcing the strap to loosen it using brute force.

With the present invention, even if the buckle is slid along the strap, the part of the loop in the second part is held in place in that second part whereby the strap will not release or loosen.

Preferably the second part has an aperture provided therein in the region of the part of the loop in that second part through which the gripping member can penetrate through to the strap for gripping thereto.

Preferably the gripping member has a trunk from which the teeth extend, the trunk fitting in the aperture. Preferably the trunk has a rectangular section.

Preferably the gripping member has a ledge over which the tooth or teeth extend. The ledge can provide support to the part of the strap in the second part of the latch when the first and second parts are joined together.

Preferably the second part of the latch has a groove into which a flange on the first part of the latch can extend when the two parts are joined together. This provides additional rigidity to the latch when latched shut.

Preferably the flange is an integral component of the part of the first part that has the tooth or teeth. Preferably these are a single metal component.

Preferably the second part has a bar over which extends the part of the loop that is located within the second part of the latch. Preferably the bar in use opposes the gripping member, and more preferably the tooth or teeth of the first part of the latch.

This helps the gripping member, or the tooth or teeth to grip or penetrate into the fabric of the strap at that bar by that bar providing a bearing surface for the strap.

The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of luggage strap; Figure 2 shows a side perspective view of that luggage strap; Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the latch of the luggage strap; Figure 4 shows a rear view of the latch of the luggage strap; Figure 5 shows the latch's two parts partially separated so as to bring a gripping member into view; Figure 6 shows the latch separated into its two components, with the strap now loosened to a different length to that of Figures 1 and 2; fold lines in the strap come from packaging of the strap for sale; Figure 7 shows a detail of the second part of the latch separate from the first part of the latch; Figure 8 shows an end view of that second pad of the latch for showing the aperture for the gripping member, plus also the recess and slot; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of that first part, with the loop opened up for showing the stepped bar over which the loop of the strap extends, and past which the luggage strap can be slid for adjusting the loop's length (and thus too the length of the strap for fitting it to a piece of luggage); Figure 10 shows the first part of the latch of the luggage strap, with the strap removed; and Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the end of that first part showing the gripping member, its teeth and a tab and ledge for engaging into the above recess and slot. In this embodiment there are nine teeth, each of which is a pointed member.

Referring first of all to Figure 1, the luggage strap 10 is shown with the strap 12 in a shortened condition. The strap 12, as shown in Figure 2, is a substantially full loop in this condition, which loop extends from a buckle 42 in a direction away therefrom from a latch 18, away to, and around, a folded end 44, and then back past the undersides of the buckle and latch, to a second folded end 46, and then over the top again into a second part 22 of the latch 18. The other end of the strap 12 -initially a single web, rather than a loop, extends as that single web 48 away from the buckle 42 in the opposite direction, with its end being formed as a small loop 50 (in this embodiment by way of stitching) that is attached to a first pad 20 of the latch 18 over a bar therein.

This is all conventional for luggage straps.

The buckle 42, which is also conventional, comprises a generally rectangular aperture having a bar across its middle through which the web of the strap 12 can pass up and over that bar.

The web of the strap has two free ends, one of which is attached to the bar within the first part 20 of the latch 18, as discussed above, and the other of which is fixed to the bar of the buckle, again as a small stitched loop in this embodiment.

The strap's web extends away from that buckle, following the line of the loop that was previously described -to the second part of the latch, but as it is a loop it then extends back to the buckle again to complete the loop. The end that is on the first part then extends away from the buckle 42 in the other direction after passing through the buckle twice -over the bar of the buckle. This is also all conventional.

Adjustment of the loop size is also conventional while the latch is separated into its two parts -it can be done by sliding the buckle along the web of the strap, for example to the condition shown in Figure 6. However, because of the present invention, this is only achievable when the first and second parts have been separated. The reason for this is described in further detail below.

Referring next to Figure 3, the stitching 53 can be seen for forming the small loop 50 that attaches one end of the strap to the first part of the latch. Further, a keyhole 54 can be seen for receiving a key for locking and unlocking a latch locking mechanism of the latch 18. In this preferred embodiment, the latch locking mechanism is provided as a TSA lock. This allows the lock to be opened by border staff.

The latch locking mechanism operates in this embodiment by blocking two sprung fingers on the second part 22 of the latch, as is known in the art. Other known latch locking mechanisms can instead be provided, such as known combination locks or other key-based locking mechanisms.

As can be seen in Figure 7, two prongs 26, 27 are provided on the second part 22.

However, in Figure 4, only one of them 26 is visible from the top of the latch 18. Figure 5, however, shows a rear view to allow both to be seen.

That one visible prong 26 in Figure 4, if compressed to release it from its restraining shoulder (as provided on the first part of the latch), is insufficient to release the latch 18. Thus, since only that one prong is easily accessible, this arrangement provides added security.

The other prong is visible from the back, as discussed above -see Figure 4. That other prong 27 is similar to the first prong 26 in that it also bears against a restraining shoulder in the first part of the latch when the latch is latched, but it is concealed from the front by the top of the first part 20. This safety feature, however, is optional.

Still referring to the back view of Figure 4, a panel is provided therein, which panel 56 is snap fitted in place. It may also be hingedly attached to the first part of the latch. This panel 56 covers an opening through which the latch locking mechanism can be inserted into the first part 20 of the latch 18.

This rear view of Figure 4 also provides the first sight of a gripping member 34 which provides the inventive advantage of the present invention. That gripping member 34 will be described in more detail later on.

Referring now to Figure 5, it can be seen that the two prongs 26, 27 have been compressed towards each other so as to release them from their relevant shoulders on the first part 20, thus causing their stems to be bent inwards. This releases the quick release latch so as to allow the first and second parts of the latch to be separated from one another. Figure 5 shows those parts starting to be separated. This partial separation has disengaged the strap 12 from the gripping member. As a result it can be seen that the gripping member 34 has a plurality of pointed teeth 36. These teeth are arranged to compress into the strap so as to penetrate into the fabric of the strap 12. They thus provide a positive engagement of the strap which will prevent the strap from being adjustable until the first part of the latch has been part separated from the second part of the latch, thus withdrawing the teeth 36 from the part 38 of the loop that is within the second part 22 of the latch.

Upon the separation, the loop's length can easily be adjusted, e.g. as shown in Figure 6, and as already discussed above. This adjustment can be made through a sliding of the buckle 42 along the strap 12, and then accordingly adjusting the part of the loop 38 within the second part 22 of the latch 18 accordingly. The other end of the strap 12, where there is the loop 50, remains fixedly located within the first part 20 of the latch 18.

Referring now to Figure 7, the two prongs 26, 27 of the second part 22 are shown more clearly. They each have generally similar designs -approximate mirror copies, although they are not identical. For example, they have different thicknesses and this provides a non reversible form so that the latch can only be connected one way around. Further they each have a tab 58 extending therefrom for engagement with locking members of the TSA lock mechanism, and these are non identical due to the nature of the preferred latch locking member -a rotating bar to fit between the tabs, such that one is at one end on one side, and the other is at the other on the other side.

Both prongs, however, have a generally smooth exterior shape, but with a returning shoulder adjacent the flexible leg for bearing against restraining shoulders in the first part of the latch. These provide easy connections and easy releases of the two parts.

Still referring to Figure 7, but also with reference to Figure 8, the second part 22 also has a recess 60 moulded therein into which a tab 62 of the first part 20 can extend.

That provides a positive restriction for transverse motion of the second part 22 relative to the first part 20 both in the sideways direction and in the in and out direction. As seen in Figure 8, however, the recess 60 can also have an undercut slot associated therewith. That undercut slot serves to accommodate a ledge 70 of the tab 62, which ledge 70 is more clearly seen in Figure 11. This provides further strength to the connection, but is again optional.

The gripping member 34 in this embodiment, as can be seen in Figures 10 and 11, is formed with a trunk 72 from the end of which extends the teeth 36 and a further tab 64, although this further tab has a longer shape, and which tab 64 is located on the other side of the teeth 36 to the first tab 62. That second tab also provides restriction to the movement of the second part relative to the first part by virtue of its engaging within a slot of the second part 22 (along with the teeth and trunk), which slot 66 can be seen clearly in Figures.

The teeth 36 are provided in this embodiment as a linear array of nine pins, although just one or more than one or more than nine can be provided. They extend from the end of the trunk, and may be made of metal (as can the tabs and trunk). They could instead be plastic. However, metal provides an additional strength thereto.

The teeth extend from the trunk -a base bar -along with the further tab 62.

The base bar as well as the teeth and further tab are arranged in this embodiment all to extend through the slot 66 in the second part. This provides a more tight location of the second part relative to the first part and thus a more secure engagement of the teeth in the fabric of the strap 12. It is possible, however, just for the teeth to be extending into the slot 66.

Preferably the tab 62, the ledge 70, the teeth 36, the further tab 64 and the trunk or bar 72 are all formed from a single unitary piece -preferably a cast metal piece.

In this embodiment, the teeth are shown to be pointed pins, and they have a triangular section -preferably a saw tooth section for better resisting loosening of the strap -the more upright side can oppose loosening movements of the strap. The teeth are optionally triangular teeth or pyramidal teeth. As such, other fabric engaging forms may instead be provided. However, it is preferred that they have sharp point for assisting in the penetration of the strap in a non fibre severing manner. If the teeth were to sever the fibres of the strap, then the strap would lose its strength, thus limiting its life.

Having sharp points, however, instead allow the fibres to separate as the gripping member engages the strap, and this allows the penetration of the teeth into the fabric of the strap without significantly or permanently damaging the overall strength of the strap.

As can be seen in Figure 8, the slot 66 for receiving the teeth 36 provides a window through to the part 38 of the loop that is in the second part 22 of the latch 18. As then shown in Figure 9, that part 38 of the loop in the second part 22 of the latch 18 will be changed as the adjustable loop 14 of the strap 12 is adjusted.

The adjustable loop 14 extends through the second part 22 of the latch 18 past a support bar 74, which support bar 74 aligns with the slot 66, thus allowing the teeth 36 when penetrating into the fabric of the strap 12 to actually penetrate into the fabric of the strap 12, rather than simply displace that strap rearwardly -the support bar 74 supports the rear side of the adjustable loop 14 to provide the resistance necessary for the teeth 36to penetrate into the material of the strap 12.

In the preferred embodiment the support bar is stepped so that the strap is also interacted upon by the further tab 64 of the first part of the latch.

It is preferred, as shown, that the bar or trunk 72 has a surface from which the teeth 36 can extend so as to provide a limitation to the penetration of the teeth 36 into the fabric of the strap 12. Further, it is preferred that the teeth have the further tab 64 associated therewith -i.e. that further tab be close thereto, so as to force the strap 12 to be turning sharply around the support bar 74. This ensures a clean grip of the strap by the teeth, and it minimises the ability to loosen the strap without first releasing and separating the two parts of the latch.

The present invention therefore provides a new latch for a luggage strap in which the strap is positively locked in a given state of adjustment upon joining the second part of the latch to the first part of the latch, whereby the strap cannot be loosened from the luggage to which it has been applied unless the first and second parts are separated.

The present invention has been described purely by way of example. Modifications in detail may be made to the invention within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A luggage strap comprising a strap having an adjustable loop for adjusting the length thereof and a latch having two separable parts, the first part being attached to one end of the strap and the other part being attached to the loop, wherein a gripping member comprising at least one tooth is provided on the first part of the latch for engaging with a part of the loop that is in the second part of the latch upon joining the first part of the latch to the second part of the latch.
2. A luggage strap according to claim 1, wherein the tooth is a sharp tooth for penetrating into the fabric of the strap upon that joining of the first part of the latch to the second part of the latch.
3. A luggage strap according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein there are at least two such teeth.
4. A luggage strap according to claim 1, wherein there are in excess of four such teeth.
5. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each tooth is a pointed tooth for penetrating between fibres of the strap.
6. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strap is a webbing strap having a wider width than depth dimension.
7. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loop is adjustable by means of a loop buckle comprising a loop with a bar through the middle.
8. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch has at least one prong on the second part for engaging inside the first part.
9. A luggage strap according to claim 8, wherein there are two such prongs.
10. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch has a secondary locking mechanism for locking the latch in a latched state.
11. A luggage strap according to claim 10, wherein the secondary locking mechanism is in the form of a combination lock.
12. A luggage strap according to claim 10, wherein the secondary locking mechanism is in the form of a key lock.
13. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lock release mechanism in the form of a ISA lock.
14. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping member is made of metal.
15. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part has an aperture provided therein in the region of the part of the loop in that second part through which the gripping member can penetrate through to the strap for gripping thereto.
16. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping member has a trunk from which the tooth extends, the trunk fitting in an aperture of the second part.
17. A luggage strap according to claim 16, wherein the trunk has a rectangular section.
18. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping member has a ledge over which the tooth or teeth extend.
19. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part of the latch has a groove into which a flange on the first part of the latch can extend when the two parts are joined together.
20. A luggage strap according to claim 19, wherein the flange is an integral component of the part of the first part of the latch that has the tooth.
21. A luggage strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pad has a bar over which extends the pad of the loop that is located within the second part of the latch.
22. A luggage strap according to claim 21, wherein the bar opposes the gripping member when the two parts of the latch are latched together.
23. A luggage strap according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein the bar provides a bearing surface for the strap to assist with the grip thereagainst provided by the tooth.
24. A luggage strap substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.